I haven't pulled that much with mine (07 HD w/ a 6.0), my boat comes in around 6500 on the trailer. I will say it doesn't pull like the 496 but it does pull pretty good. Keep in minde the new ones come with a 6-speed transmission, it's not the Allison but it's also not the old 4L80 that used to come behind the 6.0. So far I'm happy that I went with the gas over the diesel motor, the way I look at it that $8K option for the diesel motor will pay for about 2-3 years of gas for the truck and the boat and I'm not pulling my boat every weekend, in the summer it's in the rack. If I was pulling **** everyday then maybe I would have gone diesel. There was a thread awhile back that had an article comparing the big three's 3/4 ton and one ton trucks, both gas and diesel and the 6.0 w/ the 6-speed made a pretty good showing, one of the reasons I went with the gas motor.

There are nay-sayers that you have to have a diesel to pull that weight, but it just depends how often you have to do it. Then take in to consideration the additional maintenance, etc. One thing nice about having a diesel is that you could possibly get into making your own biodiesel, but that also takes a ton of time to do, not to mention a pretty hefty inital investment as well...

I know the 04 and the 07 is a little bit diff, but not all that much, I really liked my 6.0 dont get me wrong, but pulling 9000lbs with it is no fun at all,just not made to do it, you will end up tearing it up if you pull very much at all, plus the re-sale value is terrible on the 6.0, you will get every dime back with the d-max on a re-sale.

A neighbour of mine has one and pulls heavy with it frequently, he agrees with what was said in this comparison http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2007...shootout1.html

Only thing stronger in a gas motor is Fords V-10

Rob,

Just sell that Chevy and buy a Ford.

You know how well mine tows !!

He askin about the gas engine and it is really improved. Plus the 6 spd tranny helps. It is a viable alternative to the $ spent on the Duramax if you tow occasionally. That engine really has guts now. The earlier versions (2006 and earlier) did not.

Wannabe

I pull a 31 Sonic with a 2003 hd with a 6 litre and it does fine....if I pulled every day I'd buy a duramax.

I pull a 23 outlaw with my 07 new body style 4x4 crew cab 2500 with no problem. I think you will be at the limit with 9000. The truck is only rated for 9900 with the small gears. The new six speed with the 6.0 engin helps. I think it is a good alternative if you don't want to put out the extra cash for the diesel.

When it came time to buy another truck/SUV for towing and family trips this summer, we looked at both a low-mileage2500 Suburban with a 6.0L and at the Excursion with a 7.3 (we had owned one before but had to sell due to job loss in '04).

The 6.0L gas engine has good power, and the Suburban was comfy, but after using one for an entire weekend including towing, the decision was incredibly easy to purchase another Excursion Limited diesel. Fuel economy with the 6.0L was dismal loaded or not, and when towing in the hills, it downshifted constantly, which is something the diesel NEVER does in the same hilly area. I also hated that knock in the 6.0L! I could have saved myself some bucks on the Suburban- as mentioned prior, the resale on the 6.0L is quite bad. I have quite a few acquaintances in the car biz, and they told me to steer clear of it- buy the diesel. I don't regret it at all- this is my second 7.3L X, it gets just shy of 20mpg, and they're pretty much bullet-proof!

I've never been stuck on brand loyalty, but If I were, I'd opt for the Duramax. It may cost some extra bucks up front, and the fuel may cost more, but their is no comparison in torque. The fuel economy is better, 9000#'s won't be a stretch to tow, and you will experience good resale numbers when it's time to sell.

I tow an 11,000 boat on a tripple axle trailer with a Ford F-350 4x4, 7.3 diesel. It does a great job and gets good milage. I am in the Los Angeles area and everywhere I go means going through mountains. The diesel can't be beat for that type of towing. Before I had the current truck I had a Chevy 454 3500 4x4 with a Banks power pack. It did ok, but got 6 mph and didn't have near the power of the Ford diesel. I wouldn't consider anything but a diesel ever again.

diesels are fine........until something goes wrong.......then HUGE $$$.

one 6.0 Ford fuel injector......$640......does not include installation........one 05 Dmax fuel injector......$760 plus installation.

youd be insane to own any late model Ford GM Dodge diesel out of warranty.......makes for a very expensive ride sitting in your driveway if not a daily driver.